Clark keeps faith in signing with Carson Newman Eagles

Sunday

Feb 10, 2013 at 3:58 PMFeb 10, 2013 at 4:01 PM

Zak Clark’s dream of being a collegiate football player nearly didn’t happen. Sitting at the Oak Ridge-Halls basketball game on Tuesday, Clark had no clue that a missed call was going to change his plans in an instant.

Robert Holder

Zak Clark’s dream of being a collegiate football player nearly didn’t happen. Sitting at the Oak Ridge-Halls basketball game on Tuesday, Clark had no clue that a missed call was going to change his plans in an instant.

The call was from Carson Newman and they wanted him to play football for the Eagles.

Clark said yes and less than 24 hours later, he was living the dream.

“This is the most exciting moment I think I have ever done,” Clark said. “It has always been my dream to play college football and to especially sign on National Signing Day. I have always looked up to those guys who chose the hat. It has been a big dream of mine.”

Clark will play for legendary CNC coach Ken Sparks. Sparks has spent 33 years at his alma mater as coach, winning more than 300 games and is currently battling cancer.

Though Clark has played a few positions for the Wildcats, Clark says he hopes to play linebacker for the Eagles.

When asked what he liked about the school, Clark immediately said the school’s affiliation with faith.

“My number one thing is I like the religious aspect of the school,” Clark said. “I am a pretty religious guy.”

Carson Newman, a Southern Baptist liberal arts college, went 9-3 last season making it to the Division II quarterfinals before losing to Valdosta State.

That tradition of winning also drew Clark to the school in Jefferson City.

“I like the tradition,” Clark said. “It kind of represents what we have here at Oak Ridge.”

Clark was second on the team last year in tackles with 89. He also caused two fumbles and had two interceptions — the biggest of which was an 82-yard return that sealed the win over Hardin Valley.